Summary: All the major players in the Christmas story -- except Herod -- were noted for their humility. Let us take note and showcase humility in our lives.

• What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself. ~ Abraham Lincoln

• The graveyards are full of indispensable men. ~ Charles De Gaulle

• Too much humility is pride. ~ German Proverb

• Don't be humble, you're not that great. ~ Golda Meir

• When you're as great as I am, it's hard to be humble. ~ Muhammad Ali

• Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. ~ St. Augustine

2. There are many definitions of humility, such as a balance picture of oneself, or choosing to remind oneself of his/her weaknesses, but my preferred way to define humility is simply a lack of arrogance.

3. Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it is also that time of year when we think about and enjoy others. And, while we might enjoy the occasional company of the flamboyant, it is the humble people who bring us the most long-term joy.

6. Right from the beginning, Christmas has been connected to humility.

Main Idea: All the major players in the Christmas story -- except Herod -- were noted for their humility. Let us take note and showcase humility in our lives.

God does what he does perfectly, but he is not a perfectionist. If God were a perfectionist, he would never mess with us. He makes many concessions.

2 Cor. 5:19, " God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

C. Trash relational COMPETITIVENESS

Mary and Elizabeth did not compete to see which baby was cuter. Mary did not taunt Elizabeth that her baby was only the herald of the Messiah baby.

Competitiveness is good for sports, mixed for business, but a killer for relationships.

D. Retain EMPATHY

Empathy means putting yourselves in the shoes of others, to see things from their perspective and ask how it "feels" to be them.

E. Retain COMPASSION

Like the Good Samaritan, compassion means feeling, considering, and helping.

F. Retain HUMILITY

When we view ourselves in a balanced way in light of God’s Word, we will go easier on others; the harsh people of this world often have an arrogance problem. The kind people of this world are more conscious of their own failings and vulnerability.

We need a new Christmas carol: Have Yourselves a Humble Little Christmas!